Hybrid lift air vehicle

Abstract

A hybrid lift air vehicle for carrying and transporting a load, comprising an envelope having a generally ellipsoidal shape adapted to receive a volume of lighter-than-air gas, at least two variable thrust vertical thrusters in secure engagement with the envelope and at least two variable thrust lateral thrusters in secure engagement with the envelope, means for temporarily securely engaging the load to the envelope wherein the volume of lighter-than-air gas has a buoyancy that offsets at least 25% of the weight of the air vehicle when unloaded, wherein the thrust from the at least two vertical thrusters may be varied to raise and lower the air vehicle and the load when engaged, and wherein the thrust from the at least two lateral thrusters may be varied to maneuver and transport the raised air vehicle and the load when engaged.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an improved hybrid lift air vehicle for lifting and transporting heavy payloads and more particularly relates to an improved hybrid lift air vehicle utilizing helium or another lighter-than-air gas contained within an envelope to offset all, or substantially all of the weight of the air vehicle when without a payload, the vehicle also having vertical thrusters consisting of rotors or propellers to lift all, or substantially all of the weight of the payload when the vehicle is loaded.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The transport of heavy loads in regions where there is little or no infrastructure continues to present a significant challenge to private ventures and government agencies. As a result, the development of natural resources or provision of government services in remote regions is often costly, unreliable or inadequate.[0003]In certain regions, as particularly in the arctic, harsh climate, difficult conditions and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hybrid air vehicle with improved aerodynamic efficiency.

[0014]A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hybrid air vehicle with improved fuel efficiency.

[0015]A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hybrid air vehicle with improved load capacity.

[0016]A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hybrid air vehicle with improved range.

Problems solved by technology

The transport of heavy loads in regions where there is little or no infrastructure continues to present a significant challenge to private ventures and government agencies.

As a result, the development of natural resources or provision of government services in remote regions is often costly, unreliable or inadequate.

In certain regions, as particularly in the arctic, harsh climate, difficult conditions and the need to preserve the environment add additional challenges.

Although roads offer a solution, such roads are costly and damage the environment.

In the arctic, ice roads may be used, but these are useful only during the winter months and are unreliable due to unpredictable timing of spring thaw.

While LTA vehicles may be fuel efficient and suitable for hauling heavy cargos long distances, the need for ballast exchange makes traditional airships impractical for hauling heavy loads in remote regions.

In the arctic and remote regions, the logistics associated with large ballast transfers associated with heavy loads presents substantial technical hurdles and costs.

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